Join Paul, Jeff & Michael for a nostalgic campout at Campsite #5 at Mather campground in the Grand Canyon! We are a five-minute walk to the general store with a deli. The cafeteria is across the parking lot; so, if you don’t feel like cooking, nourishment is close by. A bus stop at the campsite will deliver you anywhere worth visiting in the park (free), so you can leave your vehicle at the main parking lot by the showers. We will only have one campsite, which means only two vehicle parking spots. We’ll need to leave those available for loading/unloading and visitors as best we can.
If you haven’t been in a while, we have been assured that the canyon is all new for 2026, so come check it out (read it on the internet). The once 20-minute walk to the rim, is now a little over 30 minutes, we’re not sure how that happened. But if you pay attention, you’ll be rewarded with deer, elk, and other flora and fauna (and attractive foreign tourist) to view along the path. Oh, and well-behaved dogs are welcome, but unfortunately are not allowed on the buses.
Jeff will be making a hearty meat-based pasta sauce for Saturday pasta dinner. Depending upon how many rsvp for dinner will determine how extravagant the spread will be. Please bring a side or dessert to share and your own beverages. If you have special dietary preferences, let us know and we will accommodate. We are a bunch of old folks cooking on cook tops in the woods, so we’re trying to keep this simple for preparation and clean up.
Itinerary
- Thursday check-in time is at 2:00 pm.
- Thursday night, campers can gather with their dinners and cocktails at the group site and make plans for their Friday adventures.
- Friday and Saturday, everybody’s on their own to hike, shop, nap, or do some combination.
- Saturday evening we’ll have happy hour around 5pm (please bring your favorite adult beverage to enjoy), followed by dinner around six. We’ll provide an Italian themed main course dinner. We ask that people bring snacks, sides, or desserts to share.
- Sunday morning checkout time is 11:00am.
Amenities
The Group Site, is a tent-only campout per park policy. If you like, you may reserve a site in Trailer Village or in one of the other loops in the Mather Campground the weekend we are camping and join us for dinner and other activities. Parking at our group site is limited to two vehicles at Sage Loop Site 5, so carpooling is highly encouraged. Extra vehicles may be parked in the parking lot adjacent to Camper Services at the Mather Campground entrance.
There are potable water pumps and restrooms with electricity and running water right next to our group site. Showers, laundry facilities, and pay phones are available at Camper Services (bring quarters and flip-flops).
Market Plaza is a short walk or drive away and offers shopping and dining, as well as lodging at Yavapai Lodge. If you like, you may reserve a room at Yavapai Lodge the weekend we are camping. Market Plaza features free Wi-Fi, albeit slow and unreliable. Please note that cellular connectivity in the park can be spotty, and your campout leader(s) may not be reachable in the park. Always try texting first.
Cancellation refunds are available until August 24th.
We will have the DA propane fire pit to enjoy in the evening! Donations of/for gas are welcome.
Cancellation refunds are available until August 24th.
Don’t forget to check out our DA store. http://www.desertadventures.org/Store
Paul Harper and Jeff Kita will be our Trip Leaders. Their information will be provided with your registration confirmation.
